How to Actually Land a Cloud Job: A Guide from the Trenches

Cloud computing is one of the fastest-growing areas in tech, with millions of jobs expected to open in the next few years. Roles like cloud engineer, cloud architect, and DevOps engineer are in high demand across nearly every industry. But here’s the truth: earning certifications alone won’t guarantee you a job. Every year, thousands of people pass AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud exams, yet many still struggle to land that first role.

If you’re wondering how to go from certified to employed, this guide—based on real-world experiences and insights from online communities—will walk you through what it really takes to break into the public cloud industry.

1. Master the Fundamentals

Before diving into advanced cloud services or flashy projects, you need to understand the core IT foundations. Leveraging cloud technology is just a new way of delivering traditional IT services, so skipping the basics will make your journey harder.

• Networking: Learn about IP addressing, routing, DNS, subnets, and firewalls. In the cloud, you’ll encounter concepts like Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs) and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)—understanding how networks connect is non-negotiable.
• Operating Systems: Be comfortable in both Linux and Windows command lines. Many cloud workloads run on these platforms, and basic admin skills will save you in real-world scenarios.
• Programming & Scripting: You don’t need to be a full-stack developer, but scripting knowledge is powerful. Learn Python or PowerShell to automate tasks. Also, explore Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools like Terraform and AWS CloudFormation, which are in huge demand.
• Cloud Certifications: Start with entry-level certifications such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Cloud Practitioner, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900), or Google Cloud Platform Digital Leader. These show you understand the basics and give you a strong foundation to build on.

2. Get Hands-On Experience with Personal Projects

Certifications show you’ve studied, but projects show you can actually do the work. Employers want proof of applied skills, and personal projects are the best way to showcase that you are ready for that dream cloud job.

• The Cloud Resume Challenge: This is a popular and highly recommended project. It walks you through building a professional resume website using various cloud services, giving you a full-stack experience from DNS to CI/CD pipelines.
• Automate Your Home Lab: Use a free tier account from a cloud provider (AWS, Azure, or GCP) to set up and manage your own small-scale environment. Practice deploying virtual machines, configuring storage, and setting up basic networking.
• Contribute to Open Source: To prove your might as a cloud engineer, get involved in open-source projects. This not only hones your technical skills but also shows a potential employer that you can collaborate effectively in a team environment.

3. Start with an Entry-Level Role (or Leverage Your Current One)

The reality is that most cloud-specific roles are not entry-level. To get your foot in the door, you may need to start in adjacent positions that build transferable skills.

• IT Support or SysAdmin Roles: These jobs are excellent for learning troubleshooting, system management, and user support—all crucial cloud skills. Take on tickets related to cloud infrastructure or migrate on-premise services to the cloud.
• Networking Roles: Since networking underpins all cloud services, a network admin role is a great stepping stone.
• Upskill in Your Current Role: If you’re already in IT, volunteer for projects that needs cloud engineering in your company. Migrating an on-prem app to AWS or helping with a new SaaS integration can be a great way to gain “real-world” cloud architecture without leaving your current job. This can be the easiest way to get practical experience to start your cloud career.

4. Optimize Your Job Search and Network Effectively

The technical skills are only half the battle. Your job application and networking strategy are just as important.

• Tailor Your Resume: Avoid generic resumes. Customize each application by weaving in keywords from the job description (AWS, Kubernetes, Terraform, CI/CD, etc.). Highlight projects that prove you’ve applied these skills.
• Polish Your LinkedIn: Use a headline like “AWS Certified | Building Cloud Projects | Aspiring Cloud Engineer”. Share your projects, write about your learning journey, and engage with others in the field.
• Network Actively: Many jobs are filled through referrals. Connect with cloud engineers on LinkedIn, attend meetups, and join communities like Reddit’s r/cloud or Discord groups focused on cloud careers. A single connection can make a huge difference.
• Prepare for Interviews: Employers want to see your problem-solving skills. Be ready to explain your projects in detail and walk through how you’d design a solution to a business problem using cloud services.

Conclusion

Breaking into cloud computing isn’t about collecting certifications—it’s about proving your ability to solve real-world problems. By mastering the fundamentals, building hands-on projects, and being strategic about networking, you can bridge the gap between theory and employment.

The cloud job market is competitive, but with persistence and the right approach, you can move from studying for certifications to contributing to real-world cloud solutions—and build a career that keeps growing with the technology.

Cloud Career – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to get a cloud job with just certifications?

While certifications like the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or Azure Administrator Associate are great for demonstrating knowledge, it is difficult to land a job with certifications alone. Employers highly value hands-on experience and real-world projects.

What are the best entry-level cloud jobs?

Direct entry-level cloud computing jobs are rare. Your best bet is to look for jobs like IT Support Specialist, Junior Systems Administrator, or DevOps Engineer Trainee. These roles will allow you to build the foundational skills that are critical for a successful cloud career.

How long does it take to get a cloud-related job?

The timeframe varies widely depending on your background, but most people recommend a phased approach. It can take several months to a year of dedicated study and project work to be ready to apply for junior roles. From there, landing a job can take a few more months of consistent applying and networking.

Should I focus on one cloud provider (AWS, Azure, or GCP)?

It is generally recommended to start by specializing in one cloud provider. AWS and Azure are the market leaders and a good place to start. Once you have a deep understanding of one, it’s easier to learn the services of another cloud platform.

Do I need a computer science degree to get a cloud job?

No, a computer science degree is not a requirement. While it can be helpful, many successful cloud professionals come from diverse backgrounds. What matters most is a willingness to learn, a passion for technology, and a proven ability to apply your skills through projects and experience.

Further Reading: Boost Developer Productivity with Clean Code Writing Tips